Choosing Hula Dance Songs: Timeless Classics that Evoke Hawaii’s Healing Spirit and Culture

Po La’ila’iUluwehi Guerrero

Uluwehi Guerrero – Po La’ila’i

A beautiful falsetto, unimaginable from Uluwehi’s large frame, enhances the charm of this song even more.

The ukulele he plays so lightly is also very soothing.

Po La’ila’i means a calm night, and it evokes the stars in Hawaii’s beautiful night sky and the whiteness of the moonlight.

Blue HawaiiElvis Presley

Blue Hawaii by Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley, known as the King of Rock and Roll.

With over 600 million records sold across formats like vinyl and CDs, he’s a legendary artist known to everyone.

Although he was from Mississippi, he had a deep love for Hawaii and covered many Hawaiian songs.

Among them, the most famous is “Blue Hawaii.” It was used as the theme song for the film of the same name, and this event helped bring Hawaiian music to worldwide recognition.

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akaka fallsDarlene Ahuna

Akaka Falls

This is the version sung by DARLENE AHUNA, who won Female Vocalist at the 1997 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.

Her voice turns it into a refined hula song.

Akaka Falls is also famous as the tallest waterfall in the state of Hawaii.

Noho PaipaiKa’au Crater Boys

Ka’au Crater Boys – Noho Pai Pai

If you’re looking for upbeat, fast-tempo Hawaiian music, I recommend “Noho Paipai.” The lyrics are pretty flirty—something like, “How about rocking with me in a rocking chair, baby?” Which totally explains the cheerful, quick tempo! In Hawaii, it’s often played as a traditional party tune.

When it’s used for hula, the dance gets quite energetic, so be sure to check it out!

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Beautiful Kaua`iDon Ho

don ho – beautiful kauai

“Beautiful Kaua‘i” is an anthem for the island of Kaua‘i, and Don Ho’s rendition was a major hit at the time.

It’s still a staple in his tour setlists.

The combination of his voice and the lyrics’ love for Kaua‘i makes it a very captivating piece—a Hawaiian song that fully conveys a man’s allure.

Royal Hawaiian HotelNa Leo

Royal Hawaiian Hotel

The title Royal Hawaiian Hotel comes from the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki, nicknamed the Pink Palace, which opened in 1927.

As that suggests, the song was created as a commercial jingle for the hotel.

Ka Uluwehi O Ke KaiHapa

Hapa – Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai (studio version)

If you like Okinawan folk songs, we recommend “Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai.” HAPA is a quintessential Hawaiian music group, highly regarded for their gentle falsetto.

The melody resembles Okinawan folk music, infused with elements of country and Hawaiian styles.

While the tempo is relaxed, the energy rises in the latter half, making it a staple for hula.

It’s also a great pick if you’re looking for Hawaiian music with a folkloric feel.

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Haleiwa HulaAmy Hanaiali’i Gilliom

Amy Hanaiali’i Gilliom – Haleiwa Hula

Amy Hanaialii is a versatile performer who can sing a wide range of styles, including jazz, rock, and pop.

In 2007, she won four awards at the Na Hoku.

She is truly a Hawaiian diva.

Her singing conveys what could be called the soul of Hawaii, and contemporary music blends well with traditional Hawaiian music.

On A Coconut IslandLouis Armstrong With The Polynesians

Louis Armstrong With The Polynesians – On A Coconut Island

Louis Armstrong is an African American jazz musician.

At the time, there was a Hawaiian boom in the United States, and he, as a jazz musician, also performed it.

The contrast between jazz and traditional Hawaiian music is expressed quite well.

He Aloha Ku’u IpoGeorge Helm And Homer Hu

He Aloha Ku’u Ipo／George Helm And Homer Hu

George Helm was a legendary falsetto singer who died at the age of 27.

The song is a very sweet love song.

Though the tone is restrained and understated, you can keenly feel the passion directed at a loved one—love that, even when held back, inevitably spills out.